About Damian's Cucina Italiana

For over 30 years Damian's Cucina Italiana has been known worldwide as the top authentic Italian restaurant in Houston, Texas. Set in an old-world atmosphere which is elegant, yet warm and friendly, diners at Damian's are accustomed to extensive menu offerings, specially tailored dishes, and weekly specials created by Chef Napolean Palacios.

Crowded, waited by room like those of a free medical clinic, we were ushered in group of 6 to the second floor from the outside via a side stair well like going to and illegal joint of some sort!Upstairs the drop ceiling has old tiles, a lady greeted us and was the nicest staff.Once seated could see a frustrated captain. The service was as you would expect in a busy restaurant Food was OK from a set menu ( I guess to be expected for Valentine’s Day or a major occasion)Not very impressive for price.

Valentines dinner. Viewed the menu online. I’ve been there for numerous occasions and the food is always excellent but set for the occasion. I had expectations of an open menu and found out it was set menu only after being seated. The food was still really good

Went to Damian’s on Valentines Day, which is an atypical day for sure. The fixed price menu was a little high for three courses (almost $70 each), but the food was FABULOUS. Service was rather inattentive, which is not at all characteristic of this restaurant. (Normally, you don’t wait for a table it you have a reservation and water glasses stay full without asking.). Still, Damian’s remains one of our favorites.

We arrived about 10 minutes prior to or reservation time and were seated right on time. Service was on point and the the food was great. Our visit was on Valentines Day and they had a limited menu, we will return to explore more of their menu. Highly recommend!

Damien ‘s as usual rises to the occasion. Valentine’s Day can be hectic for almost any restaurant but Damien’s service was impeccable. On Valentine’s Day they prepared a limited menu but the cannelloni as an appetizer selection was superb. I would have preferred a bigger selection of pasta dishes but settled on a filet which was done to perfection. The deserts were also wonderful but the bread pudding was sublime.Next year hopefully they will expand their pasta selection and we will return again.

Rated as “the best Italian food” restaurant in Houston on several travel related web sites, it certainly ranks in the “old Mama Mia New York” style Italian restaurant genre. The staff is professional, friendly, attentive and helpful. My order of mussels in white wine/butter sauce (you know this should be a “broth”) arrived within a few minutes which should raise suspicions. The mussels were cold while the “sauce” was warm. I suspect that they were cooked much earlier and then the customer’s choice of wine or marinara “sauce”is added. The mussels were huge but virtually tasteless providing further evidence of not having been prepared freshly nor in its broth. Two specials for the evening were lobster bisque offered in a “bread bowl” which my wife rated favorably. My Osso bucco was a substantial portion, very tender but sadly lacking in flavor. My wife’s entree of grilled snapper was also quite good. The tiramisu for desert was exceptional by any standards. This restaurant appears to be popular in Houston despite its lack of modern culinary inspiration and high prices. Certainly there is better Italian food available in this important city.

I would have liked to be seated at the main diner. We were among the first to come, had a reservation and were seated in the very back without a window or the view of the main dining room. The service was good though and the waiters always very nice and pleasant.

We were at Damians for dinner before going to the Alley Theatre, using their round trip bus. My mussels were excellent, but the fish entre was over cooked and not tasty. The other three guests enjoyed their meals.

Damian’s offers complimentary valet service (perfect for downtown streets), amazing, personalized service, and wonderful ambiance. I highly recommend for ambiance...perfect for special occasion, date night, or a night at the theater (shuttle service provided from restaurant).

That was ,hands down, the best Italian meal i had that had no cheese in it. The chicken was tender and so flavorful. I so loved the spinach as well. The owner is very nice and personable. Will definitely definitely go again!

Tags: Cozy, Good for Anniversaries, Creative Cuisine, Good for a Date, Romantic, Special Occasion, Pre/post Theatre

I've been going to Damian's for over 30 years... - for several years, it was once a week - either Friday or Sat night (if I had been good about keeping my exercise schedule... ;-) )... I have NEVER had a negative experience there... - That's why I'm very hesitant to go anywhere else... - because going somewhere else - might be wasted money ;-) I unhesitatingly recommend Damian's - to anyone who want to go out for a 'Special' experience... :-) Carl...

Tags: Creative Cuisine, Great for Brunch, Business Meals, Romantic, Quiet Conversation, Late-night Find, Fit for Foodies, Authentic, Good for a Date, Pre/post Theatre, Special Occasion

It was my wife’s birthday and we hadn’t been here in awhile. Service and food was outstanding. From the red fish to the fillet mignon to the osso buco. Ben G did an excellent job making sure all our needs were met. Also, lobster bisque was wonderful as it was a special this night. Hope to be back soon.

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